Generic smart ussd client module embarked in a telecommunication terminal

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a digital telecommunications client system ( 52 ) for using of digital applications and services, based on at least one USSD protocol, said USSD client ( 52 ), and located in at least one mobile terminal ( 11 ). This USSD client includes means for receiving and interpreting at least one data and/or least one instruction from at least one telecommunications network ( 51 ), means for displaying in text and/or in graphic on a screen ( 12 ) and for presenting on said mobile terminal ( 11 ) at least one data and/or at least one instruction from said network ( 51 ), means for interpreting and for sending back to said network ( 51 ) at least one request and/or at least one message of at least one user, in function of at least one data and/or at least one presented service and means for communicating with at least one server of at least one third party such as any USSD server, on-device-portal server or other. Said USSD client ( 52 ) includes at least one transport module ( 53 ), including at least one encryption module ( 535 ), at least one decoder interpreter module ( 54 ) and at least one presentation module ( 55 ). It includes also at least one navigation module ( 56 ).

The present invention relates to a generic smart USSD client module embedded in a telecommunication terminal.

The present invention is positioned in the area of conversational client-server applications, more particularly in the field of dynamic dialogues between a mobile telecommunication terminal and a network or a server for applications and services, using interactive interfaces, giving the ability to the terminal to reach a server or other terminals, dialogue, navigate, exchange information, download applications and data (text, video, audio, images and other) and use different applications and services. The present invention is positioned in particular in the area of mobile telephony, in a context of expansion of new features and interactive services, convergence of dialogue means between heterogeneous devices, such as mobile phones, mobile devices, digital applications and services platforms, Internet servers, third parties services and equipments, and others. Moreover, are added the requirements for high ergonomics for the terminal users, such as real time services requirements, and this in accordance with the resources constraints of the mobile infrastructures (servers, networks bandwidths, real time constraints) and of the mobile terminals (limited processing, storage and display capacities).

The technical problem to be solved is thus to conceive generic client-server systems, based on simple for implementation and use protocols, with dynamic, interactive, intuitive features, easy to use and also allowing fast integration and with low resources consumption. To this problem are added the requirements for interoperability, customization and deployment.

Consequently, the technical problem to solve is to conceive a client-server system for applications and services allowing the set up of multiple and reusable applications and services with the lower possible costs, targeting a large number of users. The problem is also to satisfy the requirement to have interactive services compliant with existing and emergent technologies, without costly implementations, and preferably with few modifications of the equipment managed by the network operators. Finally, are added strong requirements for providing such applications and services, via few modifications in the user terminals, while providing a dynamic, interactive, user-friendly interface, and satisfying real time constraints.

An important requirement is to have means to reach variety of information within short delays. Also, this requirement is related to the possibility of obtaining information via the telecommunication network from a mobile terminal in local mode, in roaming or in nomad mode.

Thus, the strong capacities constraints of the terminals have to be taken into account, as well as the network performances and the inherent ergonomics problem.

Furthermore, in client-server systems occurs the problem of distributing the “intelligence” of different portions of services between the network and the terminal.

Under the term <<intelligence>> is understood the capability to decide the management or the execution of an action, a process, or a data processing. For example, said intelligence is used with the aim to propose complementary functional possibilities, flexibility and independence versus constraints and/or users needs.

In order to address this problem, various documents of the prior art relate to embedded clients on mobile terminals, either compliant with the networks and mobiles terminals constraints, at the expense of ergonomics, or providing functional and user-friendly user interface, at the expense of the quality of service (response time, number of proposed services).

These documents provide technical solutions to the client-server model, for which a client connects to a server with special means to reach information, navigate, download, save or transfer applications and data.

The prior art knows different approaches, which however address only limited and punctual aspects of this problem, without solving the global technical problem, i.e. to find and optimal point between the equipments constraints (networks and terminals), real time aspects, ergonomics and number of features and services.

Concrete applications and services are possible based on navigation using standard protocols WEB like (<<Word Wide Web>> or Internet), such as HTTP protocols (<<HyperText Transfer Protocol>>), XML (<<eXtended Markup Language>>, extended markup language for describing and analyzing data), IP (<<Internet Protocol>>) or other, this in combination with standard transport protocols TCP (<<Transmission Control Protocol>>, one of the basic protocols for IP data transmission), UDP (<<User Datagram Protocol>>, protocol for data transmission being part of the TCP/IP protocol) and other, which do not guarantee the response time for the queries, failing thus to the real-time services constraint.

Another approach know from the prior art is to limit the scope of the access to some services and applications based on simplified protocols taking into account the limited capabilities of mobile phones, as for example the WAP protocol (<<Wireless Application Protocol>>), especially designed for mobile phones. However, this approach is at the expense of ergonomics aspects and multi services, without ensuring compliance with real-time services.

Finally, a major effort is focused on clients applications embedded in mobile phones that satisfy the characteristics of ergonomics and aesthetics, however they require unfortunate installing of dedicated software on the terminal, demanding in terms of mobile terminal resources, and also, not guaranteeing real-time services.

A well known by the prior art document is the document U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,018, which relates to a communication terminal initiating a WAP session (<<Wireless Session Protocol>>) by sending a query to the server. The query includes an identification of the required data, as an identification number provided from said server. According to this identification number of the terminal, i.e. of the user, the server identifies the terminal versus identification data in a database associated with this user. Information regarding user's profile indicates the data format that can be managed by the terminal. When the server responds to the request, it sends data corresponding to the format defined by the user profile.

However, this document is limited to a data type predetermined by the profile of each user, by the data format to be send and by the capacity of transport channels and does not offer the flexibility of a WEB browser type. Based on WAP technologies, this solution provides neither a guaranteed response time, nor a high ergonomics.

Another prior art reference is the document WO03030026, concerning the redirection of a content from a content server, by applying a special definition for this content. The content and the accompanying definitions are then sent to the device over the cellular network. The browser installed on the device is programmed to recognize the definition and to put an appropriate indicator on the content, said indicator defines how the device uses the contents, especially by defining that the content will not remove this content from the memory, even emptying the cache to free up disk space.

Nevertheless, this document proposes data and content recognition according to the mobile terminal capabilities and is limited to a restricted number of features, services, uses and data access.

A document also known by the prior art is the document EP1874018, which relates to markup language specifications that are defined to provide pseudo-rich media during phone calls, and to implement two end items that support these specifications. Each implemented end items functions as mid-phone and mid-navigator, where the telephone call is partly a traditional duplex audio stream between the callers, completed by pseudo-rich media transmitted from one to the other. However, data and voice applications are distinct and the data are transmitted through separate channels, i.e. a splitting is applied in steps to request content from a given channel and steps to receive data from several other separate channels.

Also, many documents of the prior art relates to navigation clients embedded in mobile devices, having aesthetic and ergonomic user interface, allowing to reach standard WEB pages, to display it and to navigate. However, this high ergonomics and diversity are to the detriment of the quality of service in terms of guaranteed channel and response time and are of high complexity in terms of implementation resources.

In summary, the prior art does not propose entire complete services such as navigation in real time, nor satisfies the requirements of the above mentioned client-server systems for mobile telecommunications.

The present invention is based on standards and existing protocols, including USSD (<<Unstructured Supplementary Service Data>>), open and already implemented in a native way in the devices, then already fully or partially available. It is based on native networks and terminals features by offering a generic client-server system, which is multi applications and multi services.

In the present invention, under the term <<client>> is understood an application having its own embedded navigator or using a third embedded navigator, the application itself being embedded in the terminal connected or not to the telecommunication network. This network is for example such as GSM (<<Global System for Mobile>>), GPRS (<<General Packet Services>>, communications system with access using packets services), UMTS (<<Universal Mobile Telecommunications System>>), 3G/3G+ and/or any other network such as (<<Next Generation Network>>).

The present invention addresses the weakness of the prior art via a client-server system based on standard networks protocols such as USSD, where the server for applications and services is located in a core telecommunications network, a computer network, or another network. This server for applications and services is based on an interpreter of a structured by conversational objects language, such as XML ((“eXtensible Markup Language”), VXML (“Voice eXtensible Markup Language”, language voice extended tagging, which means an application programming interface for communication using peripheral devices related to the telephony), or another.

The user equipment, said terminal, is for example a mobile phone (said also cell phone), a PDA (“Personal Digital Assistant”, handheld computer, combining many functions), a multi-functions board computer or for vehicle, a home or business multi-platform, including for example a monitoring or safety function, or any other fixed or mobile device being able to communicate with at least one network.

In the present invention, under the term “user” is understood an individual subscriber, fixed, nomadic or “Roamer” (“Roamer”, itinerant subscriber in the sense of “roaming” between networks) to at least one network, or a third party, for example a provider of applications, of services, of content or of any equipment, for example alarm or signaling equipment.

The purpose of the present invention is a client application embedded in a mobile telecommunications terminal, able to communicate and to share data with a server and/or a network, based on real time telecommunications protocols such as USSD, said client satisfying requirements for real time, low resources consumption, multi functions and integration with its own ergonomics or with third party ergonomics used in the terminal.

In its most general meaning, the present invention relates to a digital telecommunications client system, based on at least one USSD protocol, said USSD client, being located in at least one mobile terminal and including means for:

-   -   Receiving and interpreting at least one data and/or at least one         instruction from at least one telecommunications network;     -   displaying as text and/or graphic on a screen and presenting on         said terminal at least one data and/or at least one instruction         from said network;     -   interpreting and sending back to said network at least one         request and at least one message of at least one user, in         function of at least one data and/or at least one presented         service;     -   communicating with at least one server of at least one third         party such as any USSD server, on-device-portal server or other.

Advantageously, said USSD client includes at least one transport module including at least one encryption module, at least one decoder interpreter module and at least one presentation module.

In one embodiment, said USSD client includes at least one navigation module.

In another embodiment, said navigation module is a third party and/or terminal specific application.

In one implementation, said USSD client is based on at least one interpreter of structured languages such as HTML or XML or VXML or CCXML or other.

In another implementation, said presentation module is a transformation module to any presentation language and includes means for modifying the processed contents (modification, filtering, suppression, content addition and other).

In a preferred embodiment, said USSD client includes means for operating as an USSD server versus at least one other terminal and/or at least one network.

The present invention also relates to a processing method implemented by the USSD client system which is composed of at least:

-   -   a step for sending at least one query from at least one user         with an USSD client to a telecommunications network, opening a         session between said USSD client and said network;     -   a step of query interpretation from said network, followed by a         return of at least one information to at least one terminal;     -   a step of processing of the received information by said USSD         client and of displaying of said information as text and/or         graphic on a screen of the mobile terminal;     -   a step of choice and validation of at least one choice by using         at least one simple pressing on a keyboard;     -   a step of sending said user choice to said network;     -   a step of interpreting said choice by said network and sending         back at least one requested information;     -   a step of displaying said received choice on said user's screen.

Advantageously, the step of choice and validation of at least one choice is performed with at least one simple pressing on specific text and/or graphic areas, by using at least one key of a keyboard of said terminal.

In a first embodiment, said method includes a step of support and management of at least one feature “ringing” by the user and/or by the network service.

In a second embodiment, said method includes a step of support and management of at least one feature advertisements and/or customized information during at least one user session, said advertisements and/or customized information being dynamic or static.

In a third embodiment, said method includes a step of support and management of the proprieties of said terminal and of the network to which said terminal is attached.

In a fourth embodiment, said method includes a step of support and management of at least one additional feature, relative to at least one application available on said terminal.

In a fifth embodiment, said method includes a step of support and management of at least one feature “USSD bookmark”.

In an especial embodiment, said method includes a step of externalization of at least one content of at least one current page, and/or of at least one session or portion of a session, said step of externalization being a backup or archive or transfer from the USSD client to any external application.

In another especial embodiment, said method includes a step to restore at least one session on said mobile terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, said method includes a step of visual management of at least one session, including the duration of said session, as well as the duration of the user's interactivity during said session and a verification of continuity of said session.

In another preferred embodiment, said method includes a step of management of one or many USSD messages as at least one USSD message, said virtual USSD message.

Advantageously, said virtual USSD message includes text, images, graphics or audiovisual contents.

In one implementation, said method includes a step of simulation and/or management of at least two USSD sessions, activated in parallel for the same terminal.

In another implementation, said method includes a step of customization of at least one service for at least one user by said USSD client and/or remotely by said network.

In a preferred embodiment, said method includes a step of encryption, with or without visual indication of the data and/or of services, with at least one custom security key or with at least one security automatically managed by said client and by said server.

The present invention will be better understood when considering the non-limiting embodiment described below.

In the classical case, an USSD message is sent by typing on the terminal keyboard a sequence, for example *123*1*2#, followed by pressing an “Enter” key.

When an USSD message is emitted from the mobile, it is always directed to a “home network”, in which there is an USSD equipment, such as an USSD server with a browser, said in the present invention “USSD Center”. This network USSD Center interprets the USSD query and then sends back a requested information and/or menu.

For instance, a menu with list of choices is displayed on the terminal screen, where every choice is for example a number <<1>>, <<2>> or <<3>>. In order to make a choice, the user has to press the right number on the keyboard, and then validate by using another key.

This manual USSD navigation mode doesn't need any modification in the user terminal and the network services are directly usable.

However, this solution for USSD navigation is not satisfactory from ergonomics and usability point of view. The user wastes a lot of time in manual interaction. Also, with increasing complexity of mobile terminals in term of features, it occurs a complementary technical problem to solve: more complicated is the user phone (for example with extended keyboard, special and complementary keys, touch screen, “smart phone” evolution (evolved cell phone offering personal assistant features) and other)), it becomes more difficult for the user to navigate by pressing different keys.

The embedded mobile USSD client, purpose of the present invention, contributes for the users experience enrichment, via advantages such as ergonomics, but especially improving and multiplying networks services in regards to various topics such as security, facility to connect and maintain the connection, response time and information access time, new features, services and data customization, and other.

In the present invention under the term <<data>> is understood at least one information and/or at least one instruction and/or at least one structured or unstructured content, the data being textual, graphic, audiovisual or any other type.

The availability in the terminal of an embedded USSD client equipped with a browser with an user navigation interface overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. Said client is installed as a standard application in the mobile phone. Said browser included in the client is based on at least one structured language interpreter (for example HTML (<<HyperText Markup Language>>) descriptor, XML, VXML, CCXML (<<Call Control XML>>, XML for the call control feature) or other. In another embodiment said client doesn't include own navigator and cooperates with at least one navigator or with an application specific to the terminal.

The present invention will be better understood when considering the attached reference figures showing respectively:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d present an user interface, as well as navigation steps for a mobile terminal not having embedded USSD client module;

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2 d present an user interface, as well as navigation steps for said USSD client embedded in the mobile terminal, purpose of the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a particular embodiment of the user interface for said USSD client, purpose of the present invention, embedded in the mobile terminal;

FIG. 4 presents another preferred embodiment of the user interface and display for said USSD client, purpose of the present invention, embedded in the mobile terminal and cooperating with another navigator available on the mobile;

FIG. 5 presents a general architecture example of the client-server system, especially for said USSD client module embedded in the terminal.

FIG. 1 (1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d) presents user interface and navigation steps for mobile terminal not having embedded USSD client module.

The module (11) is a cell phone with screen (12) and keyboard (13) including keys, for example (131) (corresponding to number <<1>>), (132) (corresponding to number <<2>>) and (133) (corresponding to number <<3>>). A navigation key (14) allows navigation via keystrokes (left, right, up, down) and selection via a central keystroke. A validation key (15) or standard <<enter>> is also available. Navigation steps are detailed on FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d.

When user decides to connect to the USSD Center, he/she types on keyboard (13) an USSD code, for example:

<<#123*1*2#>>

This code is then sent to the USSD center, a session is open and the USSD Center returns back the required menu displaying on screen (12) for example:

-   -   <<Welcome

1. My package and options

2. My bank

3. My city

4. My house>>

The item <<My Bank>> is an example of service with encrypted USSD session, the item <<My city>> is an example of service for Internet information retrieval via USSD and the item “My House” is an example of service for house automation management via two USSD terminals.

In this case, the navigation method includes the next steps:

-   -   A step for an USSD code dialing on keyboard (13) and dialing         validation via pressing key (15), as shown on FIG. 1 a;     -   A step for a connection and menu display, as shown on FIG. 1 b;     -   A step for making a choice with keyboard (13) via keys (131),         (132) or (133), this choice being then displayed in a window         (16) on the bottom of the screen (12), and then confirmed using         validation key (15), as shown on FIG. 1 c;     -   A step of displaying the selected content, as shown on FIG. 1 d,         which displays at least one required information, for example:

<<Your source My City:

ParisMeteo.com

Rainy day

-   -   9. Return>>

When the user whishes to come back for example in the previous menu, he/she presses on the keyboard the displayed number, as per screen (16) and then confirms with validation key (15) for example.

FIGS. 2 (2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2 d) presents a not limiting embodiment where the mobile terminal has embedded USSD client.

When the user requests for a service, he connects directly through the user interface of the mobile terminal, for example presented as icons (21), (22), (23) and so on, proposed on screen (12) of mobile terminal (11). Said USSD client (24) is available and accessible directly or not, via said interface. By using navigation key (14), the user selects and activates said USSD Client (or a cooperating application).

A list of predefined and customizable USSD favorites “Bookmarks”, also known as “signets” in French, is then displayed. When the user makes a choice, the corresponding USSD query is sent to the network and it returns back a menu of requested services, for example the following menu:

-   -   <<Welcome

1. My package and options

2. My bank

3. My city

4. My house>>

In this case, the navigation method includes the following steps:

-   -   A step for scrolling via navigation key (14), positioning on         icon (24) and validating via central press on navigation key         (14), as shown on FIG. 2 a;     -   An optional step for displaying a predefined and customizable         list of bookmarks and possible options in this list;     -   A step for automatic sending of USSD query to the network,         followed by menu displaying, as shown in FIG. 2 b. A selection         cursor (17) is indicated, designating an initial default         location in the displayed menu;     -   A step for scrolling selection cursor (17) by using navigation         key (14) and validating the made selection via navigation key         (14), as shown on FIG. 2 c. After selection user choice is         automatically displayed in a window (16) on bottom of the screen         (12);     -   A step for displaying the selected content is shown on FIG. 2 d,         for example:

<<Your source

My City:

ParisMeteo.com

Rainy day

-   -   9. Return>>

Advantageously, navigation and choice selection are done for instance by using validation key (15) or by using navigation key (14), or by using any predefined key of the digital keyboard (13), or yet by using a “softkey” (virtual dynamic key).

Advantageously, validation key (15) is merged with navigation key (14).

FIG. 3 represents a particular embodiment of FIG. 2 b, an example of improvement by using graphical elements for presentation of menu lists displayed after a user request. In one implementation, the graphical elements are sent by the network. In another implementation a stock of graphical elements are in the terminal and used by the client for display. Said use is predefined and customizable by said USSD client or remotely by the network. In a preferred embodiment, the presentation of menu lists is performed entirely with graphical elements.

FIG. 4 represents an embodiment of FIG. 2 d. The USSD client includes a graphical transformation layer, which is able to translate data as enriched page and/or graphic, for example HTML page, as shown in the example on FIG. 4.

Said USSD client, as described on FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 has the following features and advantages:

-   -   Transparency of the connection for the user (induced by the USSD         technology);     -   Improved USSD interactivity for the user. The user has the         possibility to perform at least one step of the method several         times and to make at least one iteration of said steps using         simple navigation keys;     -   Support and management of the feature “ringing” when receiving         an USSD message. The ringing being either not present, or         systematic for the terminal, represents a major and known         disadvantage for the service rendering. In order to compensate         this defect, the ringing option is either enabled, or disabled,         or controlled by the user, the service, the network and/or the         content;     -   Support and management of the feature “Branding”, customized         advertisement for the promotion and the management of a brand.         For example, a mode of implementation of this feature is a page         such as HTML relative to an advertisement and/or brand and/or         appellation, which is displayed as wallpaper;     -   Support and management of the feature “Sponsoring”, dynamic or         static advertisement managed by the service and/or the USSD         client, and displayed by the USSD client for example in a         reserved area;     -   Display of the session information, as for instance the number         of scrolled USSD pages, the number of at least one page, the         display of at least one already selected choice, the come back         to page in the memory cache at client level;     -   Support and management of the terminal properties and of the         network to which it is attached. The USSD client can decide to         send these properties on demand or automatically during the USSD         session and to various network services. Thus, the USSD client         manages for example parameters such as IMEI (<<International         Mobile Equipment Identity>>, MCC (<<Mobile Country Code>>), MNC         (<<Mobile Network Code>>), LAC (<<Local Area Code>>) and other.     -   Support and management of the terminal properties, regarding         additional features, relatives to the applications implemented         in a mobile phone (11) from a terminals manufacturers, or         applications from telecommunications operator, or from a         services provider, or from any third party, these applications         being beforehand downloaded on the mobile terminal (11) or being         located in any remote server to which the terminal (11) has         access. For example, when the terminal has geo-location feature,         such as GPS (<<Global Service for Positioning>>, positioning in         the meaning geo-location), the client module (52) includes means         to interpret and to manage geo-location information and         services. In this case, by using client (52), the user has the         possibility to access not only standard geo-location services,         but also high value added services, such as emergency services,         tracking and alerts. Another embodiment, are the services         related to the said POI (<<Points Of Interest>>). In a preferred         embodiment, said feature “Branding”, customized advertisement is         performed relative to the geo-location of the user and/or his         (her) mobile phone (11). These embodiments for the management         and support of terminal properties are also operational in case         of geo-location performed by at least one cell of the mobile         telecommunication network, or <<Cellular Identification>>, by         using local area networks terminals, as for example WiFi         (<<Wireless Fidelity>>, wireless local network) and others;     -   Support and management of USSD “bookmark” feature or another. In         a special embodiment, said bookmark is tagged for example as a         form that can be completed offline, outside a USSD session,         avoiding the inconvenience of session interruptions. In another         implementation, said bookmark is hierarchical;     -   End-to-end data and services encryption. In the current 2G-3G         mobile networks, the information conveyed by the USSD channel is         not secure. Following the requests from operators, users and         third parties, this information is encrypted end-to-end by the         USSD client at content and/or at service level. For example, for         at least one USSD service, the user can install a custom         security key or choose security key automatically managed by the         client (52) and the server (51). In one implementation, the USSD         client (52) proposes dynamically visual indication for the USSD         security;     -   During navigation or out of navigation, the USSD client has the         capability to save one or many pages in the terminal, to send at         least one selected page or at least one part of at least one         selected page to the network, for example as SMS (<<Short         Message Service>>, short text message that can be transmitted         and received from a mobile phone), as MMS (<<Multimedia Message         Service>> multimedia message that can be transmitted and         received from a mobile phone), as e-mail and other. Also, the         USSD client has the capability to do complete or partial archive         of the session;     -   Indication and management of a <<navigation skin>> application,         downloadable on mobile networks and allowing operators to         customize in the terminal the subscribers navigation and/or         services;     -   Additional applications available from the navigation, for         example applications that can be launched with a simple touch on         specific text and/or graphic areas;     -   Feature for session restore from the USSD client. This session         restore option is active if a session is interrupted. Said USSD         client manages then an automatic restore by reconnecting to a         network service, via any communication channel by a transparent         to the navigation manner;     -   Feature for management and verification of the duration and the         continuity of an USSD session. It is well known for person         skilled in the art, that the duration on an USSD session is         unknown from the user and that an USSD session in which the user         remains passive for some time (for example during one minute),         is interrupted without any indication. To improve the ergonomics         of the USSD user interaction, the USSD client (52) provides a         visual management of the session, of the session duration, as         well as verification of the duration of the user inactivity and         session continuity. In one embodiment, the session is         interrupted after a specified period of inactivity and a warning         message is displayed on the screen (12) of the terminal (11). In         another embodiment, the session is automatically extended in a         transparent for the user manner, i.e. without displaying a         warning message on the screen (12) of the terminal (11). In yet         another embodiment, the client (52) has means to customize this         management;     -   Management of virtual USSD messages, i.e. the management of one         or many USSD messages as at least one USSD message, said virtual         USSD message or the management of one or many USSD messages         grouped in an USSD message, said long USSD message. By using         USSD client, the dedicated to this long USSD message channel is         for example used as channel for downloading data, for instance         text, images, graphics or audiovisual contents.

An embodiment of the client-server system architecture, particularly of the USSD client module architecture, purpose of the present invention, is presented in FIG. 5.

The mobile terminal (11) includes an USSD client module (52) software integrated with the native telecommunications platform of the mobile terminal (11).

The USSD client (52) includes a transport module (53), with services encryption module (535), which receives USSD data from any network (51), for example from a network with an USSD Center (59) and transmits the USSD data via a link (531) to the module (54) said decoder interpreter. Said module (54) has for example a function to decode the USSD messages and to convert them into a structured language. Said module (54) transmits the decoded data via a link (541) to a presentation module (55), for example a transformation module using HTML language or using any other presentation language. The function of the module (55) is to format the data for displaying.

Advantageously said presentation module (55) includes means to modify the processed content (modification, filtering, suppression, content addition and others). The module (55) then sends formatted for presentation data via a link (551) to a module (56) such as standard WEB navigator (or “Browser”). Moreover, the USSD client (52) has the capability to communicate and to automatically adapt itself to at least one third client-server system, such as any USSD server, <<On-Device-Portal>> (embedded portal) and others, and thus in transparent or declared manner for said server. The data provided from the navigator module (56) is sent via a link (561) to the display (12) of the terminal (11).

The presented USSD client (52) architecture on FIG. 5, allows integration with at least one navigator, for example such as WEB or any other mobile terminal application or user application. In addition, this USSD architecture allows the USSD client to be embedded into at least one navigator, for example such as WEB or any other mobile terminal or user application.

When a query is sent by the user to the network (51) via a link (511), a session is open between the network (51) and the USSD client (52) which are successively sharing data via the transport module (53), the decoder interpreter module (54), the presentation module (55) and the navigation module (56). Said navigation module transmits the data for display at the required format via a link (561) and data is displayed on the screen (12) of the terminal (11).

The described features and characteristics of said USSD client are illustrative and not limiting embodiments. Many other features are implemented on demand or during a user customization of said USSD client.

Based on a native USSD standard, the USSD client, purpose of the present invention, is operational with any type of USSD network services.

Said USSD client includes a graphic presentation enhancement module (56) supporting different user interface graphic presentations. These presentations are based on descriptors of structured languages and formats, such as the standard formats CSS (<<Cascading Style Sheet>>, style sheet format for Internet browsers), DOM (<<Document Object Model>> document template independent of all programming languages and of all platforms), SMIL (<<Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language>>, language allowing the synchronization of different multimedia elements on a WEB page), SVG (<<Scalable Vector Graphics>>, description language for vectors graphic sets based on XML), LASER (<<Lightweight application scene representation>>), SAF (<<Simple Aggregation Format>>, binary format for integration in the same stream LASER contents and audio/video contents), or such as proprietary formats as <<Macromedia Flash>>®, or a kind of <<Rich Media>> formats (formats using advanced techniques to transfer and display of multimedia data (audio, video, still images, graphics, text) and for interactive user interface).

In the generic case, the presentation is either as lists or as any multimedia or mixed.

Preferably, said USSD client (52) has the capability to manage advanced value added features, as for example:

-   -   Performs automatically restore of interrupted USSD session. When         an USSD session is interrupted, for example due to expiration,         data relative to the interruption point are sent to the USSD         service by using a new USSD session. In another embodiment, data         relative to the interruption point are returned to an USSD         service for example via the SMS channel. This allows the USSD         service to reactivate the session from the referenced         interruption point, thus from the network to the USSD client.         These two methods for recovery an expired USSD session are         transparent for the user;     -   Has the capability to commute an ongoing USSD session towards a         phone call, SMS call, Internet call or another;     -   Proposes option where said client analyzes service pages and         performs a synchronization with the server in regards to         available user options in said pages, i.e. performs a         synchronization between pages stored on the server in memory         “cache” (“memory cache”, temporary saving in memory of at least         one part of the session) and an ongoing page among already         received pages;     -   Offers the possibility to restore navigation history from the         last session or from at least one archived session;     -   Offers the possibility to perform one or many simultaneous         choices from the same navigation page;     -   Has the capability to simulate and/or to manage many parallel         activated USSD sessions for the same terminal, thus allowing the         user to navigate in many services in the same time. In a         preferred embodiment, this capability is implemented by using         memory “cache” at the USSD service and USSD client level;     -   Has the capability to control the USSD navigation via voice         commands;     -   Has the capability to integrate a mobile terminal (11) having         touch screen (12) and to ensure the navigation, as well as all         described services. In this case, a simple user's touch on a         specific area of the touch screen (12) allows him(her) to reach         a multitude of applications and services;     -   Has the capability to restore the requested from the user         information via a voice synthesis;     -   Has the capability to operate in the terminal as an USSD server,         in order to communicate with other terminal clients through or         pass-through the mobile network. For example, it is used to take         control of an USSD terminal by another terminal (USSD or not),         for information retrieval from a terminal, for navigation and         for remote launching of services on the terminal, for the         transformation of an USSD terminal into any remote control         equipment and/or into any application server;     -   Has the capability to detect a conventional USSD session and to         propose navigation assistance or automatically overtake it.

In one embodiment, the client-server system intelligence is located in the USSD client (52).

In another embodiment, the client-server system intelligence is located in the USSD service (51).

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the client-server system intelligence is located in the USSD service (51) and in the USSD client (52). 

1. A digital telecommunications client system for the use of digital applications and services, wherein it is a digital client (52), based on at least one USSD protocol, said USSD client (52), being located in at least one mobile terminal (11) and including means for: Receiving and interpreting at least one data and/or at least one instruction from at least one telecommunications network (51); displaying as text and/or graphic on a screen (12) and presenting on said terminal (11) at least one data and/or at least one instruction from said network (51); interpreting and sending back to said network (51) at least one request and at least one message of at least one user, in function of at least one data and/or at least one presented service; communicating with at least one server of at least one third party such as any USSD server, on-device-portal server or other.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said USSD client (52) includes at least one transport module (53) including at least one encryption module (535), at least one decoder interpreter module (54) and at least one presentation module (55).
 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said USSD client includes at least one navigation module (56).
 4. A system according claim 3, wherein said navigation module (56) is a third party and/or terminal specific application.
 5. A system according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein said USSD client (52) is based on at least one interpreter of structured languages such as HTML or XML or VXML or CCXML or other.
 6. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said presentation module (55) is a transformation module to any presentation language and includes means for modifying the processed content (modification, filtering, suppression, content addition and other).
 7. A system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said USSD client (52) includes means for operating as an USSD server versus at least one other terminal and/or at least one network.
 8. A processing method implemented by the USSD client system (52) according to any of the previous claims, wherein it is composed of at least: a step for sending at least one query from at least one user with an USSD client (52) to a telecommunications network (51), opening a session between said USSD client (52) and said network (51); a step of query interpretation from said network (51), followed by a return of at least one information to at least one terminal (11); a step of processing of the received information by said USSD client (52) and of displaying said information as text and/or graphic on a screen (12) of the mobile terminal (11); a step of choice and validation of at least one choice by using at least one simple pressing on a keyboard (13); a step of sending said user choice to said network (51); a step of interpreting of said choice by said network (51) and sending back at least one requested information; a step of displaying said received choice on said user's screen (12).
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the step of choice and of validation of at least one choice is performed with at least one simple pressing on specific text and/or graphic areas, by using at least one key of a keyboard (13) of said terminal (11).
 10. A method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein it includes a step of support and management of at least one feature “ringing” by the user and/or by the network service.
 11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein it includes a step of support and management of at least one feature advertisements and/or customized information during at least one user session, said advertisements and/or customized information being dynamic or static.
 12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein it includes a step of support and management of the proprieties of said terminal (11) and of the network to which said terminal (11) is attached.
 13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein it includes a step of support and management of at least one additional feature, relative to at least one application available on said terminal (11).
 14. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein it includes a step of support and management of at least one feature “USSD bookmark”.
 15. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein it includes a step of externalization of at least one content of at least one current page, and/or of at least one session or portion of a session, said step of externalization being a backup or archive or transfer from the USSD client (52) to any external application.
 16. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein it includes a step to restore at least one session on said mobile terminal (11).
 17. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein it includes a step of visual management of at least one session, including the duration of said session, as well as the duration of the user's interactivity during said session and a verification of continuity of said session.
 18. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein it includes a step of management of one or many USSD messages as at least one USSD message, said virtual USSD message.
 19. A method according the previous claim, wherein said virtual USSD message includes text, images, graphics or audiovisual content.
 20. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 19, wherein it includes a step of simulation and/or management of at least two USSD sessions, activated in parallel for the same terminal (11).
 21. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 20, wherein it includes a step of customization of at least one service for at least one user by said USSD client (52) and/or remotely by said network (51).
 22. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 21, wherein it includes a step of encryption, with or without visual indication of the data and/or of services, with at least one custom security key or with at least one security automatically managed by said client (52) and by said server (51). 